Who R U?

Oh Larry, don't you think, your thought would make a nice thread for others to comment as well? Just an idea...

OK, I'm gonna jump in. I'm 57. At 26 after successfully dogging the draft, I was laid off at Boeing. Then my girl friend dumped me so I moved in with a odd but interesting new friend of mine. I cleaned his house and he got the big tube amp I had built working. He was trying to build the worlds most powerful transistor amp ..... looked like fun to me, so he made me his partner. Ten years and a lot of stories later Phase Linear was sold to Pioneer. I had a 36' foot cutter built and went sailing for five years.

I got the itch to do something again somewhere in Costa Rica. Co-founded Heart Interface which built power inverters. Wasn't happy with that, so, with three friends for partners, I started Trace Engineering. This company also manufactured power inverters primarily for the alternative energy market. Trace did well and with 250 employees we sold a few years ago.

I ride my recumbent bike alot and still sail although mostly on sailboards in the Columbia gorge. I became a pilot five years ago and love to fly. Learned to fly helicopters recently and fly an R-22 from my backyard almost everyday. I am presently leading a happy life of meaningless self-indulgence.

Great post Dave. I'm 38. I have wife and 2 children (boy and girl, 6 and 8). Been married for all most 15 years. I've been a manufacturing engineer for all most 17 years. I live in western NY near Buffalo. I've been into audio since I was 12 years old (I moved my parent's console Philip stereo into my room and hooked an 8 track tape to it - the phono didn't work). My first real system consisted of Adcom 545 100 w/ch amp, Adcom preamp, Adcom CD, Snell E3 speakers, and Monster Cables. I moved up to all tubes (Golden Tube), B&W speakers (P5), CAL CL-15 CD and Audioquest (Forest and Lapis). I'm now using SACD, DVDA, Aloia amp/preamp, Talon Khorus, Aurious MIBs, and Audio Tekne and BMI cables. I can't believe I've spent this much on equipment in the quest for the best sound. Its been a long journey that I feel is near the end (waiting for Sistrum platforms for Talons and modding the SACD). I have "enjoyed the music" along way but my next project will be discovering all of the good software out there. I've been hooked on Patrica Barber, Diana Krall, Holly Cole, Rebecca Piegon, and Kendra Shank (Afterglow). I also like most Jazz (Miles, Cole, Adderly, etc) and particularly like the DMP Jazz recordings on SACD. The forum on Audiogon has helped me alot. I've received good advice and have excellent sources for info. I'm glad to see the negative posts have decreased. Based on Audiogon, I've made a friend in Canada who has turned my on to better music and equipment. David99 also sent me some good info on music. If there is one thing I can say, when we audionuts talk, we have our own language and we tend to share alot in common. This post is great because it allows us to get to know the guys posting in the forums better. Thanks, Mike Girardi

I'm 31 and live in the deep hills of Colorado. I'm lucky because I have a number of the best audio companies in the world in my back yard - Dunlavy, Avalon, Rowland, Bouler, Audio Magic, Green Mountain and Ayre. They all seem to be fairly friendly and willing to extend a welcome to anyone that stops by. I got into this hobby in high school when I noticed that as I upgraded my car stereo, it could go louder without sounding worse. My car audio dealer was also a high-end dealer and got me started with a used CJ preamp and a little Adcom amp. Despite the CJ blowing up about 10 times, I never managed to give up on audio and have since built my system to the point where my focus has gone from music to equipment and back to music again - my system lets me enjoy what I hear rather than nit-picking about perceived flaws or things I can improve on. I'm married to a woman who claims to not care about the gear, but who has objected if I bring home something on audition that she doesn't think sounds good. I have no kids (yet), though I have two dogs who couldn't care less about the source of my tunes.

Bert T Murph(y?) - I suspect we had the same dealer in CO, either ListenUp or US Tech. I'm 32, and also got into this odd little hobby of ours the same way, through car audio in high school. My salesman led me to a room where I played the same CD I had just heard in my car on a pair of Infinity IRS Betas, and I was hooked. For the next few years, I suffered through miserable systems in college and when I graduated I managed to secure a grunt job at a local dealer. 9 years later, I'm working for what I consider to be the manufacturer of the best SS gear in the world (naturally that makes me biased, so no rants please). I think I get more fun by watching new people to the high-end discover what they own but have never "heard" before, and I'm happy to see people discovering music and the high-end, regardless of the brand they choose to play it on. I'd much rather swap music than arguments about brand name foibles and preferences. My wife is fairly patient and very tolerant, though the hounds are oblivious - the amps are just warm enough to lie next to. Over the years I've met and learned so many people and things, it's impossible to value the wealth of knowledge I've gained - we're an opinionated and argumentative bunch, but we're dedicated. Just when I think I've heard it all, something new pops up - audioophile quality punk rock, symphonies compsed with feedback, jazz on Fisher-Price instruments, you name it. Who's got a good musical oddity or an excellent unheard of recording to share?

I'm 36, married recently, and have an understanding wife who looks at me like like I'm more than a little crazy whenever I tell her about my latest purchase/discovery in regards to this insane hobby of ours. However, in the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, "I catch her digging the ride" sometimes. My Mother was Irish and my Father was Italian, so I really had no choice about growing up and loving music. I caught the Beatle bug at the tender age of 7 and never looked back. My oldest sister married an audiophile when I was 10, so you can see how all of these ingredients in the same bowl can really leave you with little choice but to be afflicted with this hobby(illness).
To make matters better(worse?), I'm a systems designer for a home theater/ audio company in Cherry Hill,New Jersey.
I LOVE MY JOB!

Sounds like your living a charmed life Patmatt, I'm envious that you make a living thru our hobby. Must be great, and welcome aboard.

welcome Patmatt

Thanks for the welcome folks. I must confess that there was a little period between two channel and home theater when things weren't so charming, but things are much better now.
It's a bit like the stock market nowadays. Short term insanity vs. long term rewards.
Thanks again for the welcome!

Hi.. 6hrs of getting to know everyone in audioland is not recommended, due to the fact I've forgotten most of you. I'll have to go back & update myself as I read the posts. I'm a 36yr old Marketing Director in Hong Kong until next year (Korea next) I left England when I was 21 & moved to frankfurt, then to Japan & now here. I've been a music fan since listening to radio caroline late at night on a small radio which was given to me by my grandmother. As far as high end equipment... A distant relative (AMP/Speaker designer)introduced me when I was 15. He took me into a side room of his house. There were 2 huge alabaster angels holding lights, a sofa, lots of equipment which had no flashing lights & a pair of huge KEF speakers... I can't remember now what he played, but I do remember being gobsmacked at how good music could sound.
Now finally for the last year, I'm beginning to realise my dream, although small time right now. I still love my system & I'm looking forward to updating as time goes by... Denon AVC-A10SE-n,B&W CDM 7SE's,Pioneer DVD DV-S838A (Haven't seen a review of this yet?)& a Grundig Fine Arts Digital TV. All of my hardware was bought on the strength of, advice or recommendations I've read at Audiogon "THANKS EVERYONE" I lack alot of technical knowledge (Check out my Home Theater question posted today!), but I do possess over 2000 CD's.. 80% english bands etc. My wife is Japanese & has no interest in music whatsoever? I still can't understand how such an important thing in my life has had little or no importance in hers? I now buy an antique for our appartment with each hifi addition... Kind of disguise!
I too love fast cars, I hope to get a racing Lotus Elise next year & like many of you good wine seems to go well with great music... I look forward to reading all of your excellent comments & recommendations for many years to come. Cheers!

I'm a 20 year old entrepreneur/college student. i currently am in my 2nd year at California State University, Long Beach which i attend full time, and i also started a business with 3 friends (Pacific Coast Acquisitions, LLC.) in which we purchase properties that are in foreclosure, do a little handy work on them and then sell them on the market for the going rate. right now we're in the middle of our second year and we have 13 properties in our possession and growing. my system is only worth a piddly $7-10k, but i only paid around $5000 for it. its in the virtual systems under my moniker if you're interested in checking it out.

I am 38 years old, single, and living in the midwest at the moment (recently moving here from California). I have a dual Degree in Electrical Engineering, and in Marketing. I have been employed as a technical sales person in the aerospace industry, the auto industry (OEM Electronics), the IC industry (selling high speed linear devices and A/D, D/A chipsets) and now work for an IT company (Yes, I move to a new venue about every five years... I get bored very easily, and am constantly looking for new challenges). As a musician playing the piano, string bass and electic bass, I have spent many a nights trying to decide weather to listen to my stereo, or to just play a tune on my own. This love of music, is what drew me into high end stereo in the first place. I have been through at least 15 high end system iterations, since I was 17 years old. I have owned many of the big name speaker brands, (along with a couple real stinkers)...such as : Magnepans, Polks (arg!), DCM , Spica, Acoustat, Infinity, Magnepan (the only brand I ever owned twice) and Legacy Whispers. As I have become wiser over the years, I have learned that there is no such thing as a perfect component or speaker. As an Engineer, I have found many failings in virtually every big name audiophile component or speaker. (One designer does this part right, but completely misses the boat on another parameter etc...) My findings have led me to modifying virtually everything I currently own. I'm not talking about power cords here, I'm talking about better IC's, better caps, better wire (especially in most speakers). A simple "holistic" look, at each component and speaker design, from beginning to end. (Whoever said that the weakest link is the best your system will ever sound, was dead right). What many audiophiles don't realize is that their particular component or speaker is itself, "a box of many weak links". In my findings one designer seems to overlook something that another does correctly, but the other guy drops the ball somewhere else. It is my humble opinion, that if someone did everything right (for a resonable price, and it CAN be done), he would corner the market. I have been ardently looking for that "Holistic" speaker or component designer, but the only guys that come close, are selling their products for rediculous prices. I just can't stomach the $1000 - $5000 speaker wires, and $5000 - $20000 amplifier prices. As my quest continues, I will be trying to spread my resonably priced findings to all of you, so that you too can avoid trying to find nirvanna, thru massive and needless expenditures, of hard earned cash.

Hi, I am a 48 yo minister/radiographer, married, two small
boys(3&7yrs). I am here because, after being away from my music for a number of years, I have recently been bitten
by the audiophile bug. That sucker bites hard!!!. My last
system was purchased in 1985; things have changed considerably in the interim. I am more interested at this point in thanking all of you who are kind enough to discuss
audio issues that have been an enormous help in educating me in the past few months. I learn something new every time I come to this site. I am also grateful that you are kind enough to exchange/sell extremely high quality equipment
for reasonable prices. I have no idea where this hobby will
leave me (other than broke), but it's going to be a good ride in the meantime. Again thanks!. Bill

Welcome aboard Revvrun. This is a great site, so enjoy the ride!

These days I make a living as a 42 year old freelance Photoshop guy. One of my clients is the TV department of a motion picture studio here in Los Angeles. For them I make Ricki Lake look thinNER, retouch and "naturalize" Pam Anderson, make the Dawson's Creek and Just Shoot Me cast members peachy keen, get up close and personal with all those Battledome babes and much more.

My first foray into hifi was as a young boy in the early 60's. My dad acquired an appreciation for music since both his sisters in Japan were musicians. Even as a little kid my dad encouraged me to listen to his record collection on his setup. Doubtful I'll be the same way with my kids the day I become a father. "Hey, get away from those heat sinks you'll burn yourself!"

This continued through the early seventies as well when my dad got his receiver and reel-to-reel setup. I became his "remote control"! When I got into college, one of my passions became car audio. Did I just utter an oxymoron? I remember the days when only Fosgate and Zapco were making outboard power amps for cars. I also bought a set of Hart speakers which I think were one of the first with a separate tweeter and woofer. Ooooohh.

Through the eighties and early-nineties, I continued to experiment with car stereos, crossover construction and subwoofer enclosures. I was exposed to a lot of different gear since I designed and did production of car audio ads for a friend's installation business.

When the computer revolution hit the graphic design profession in the early nineties, I made the changeover, then discovered my true niche. The synergy between art and technology. Now I could really have fun. Around this time I bought my first home music system. An NAD 705 receiver, NAD 502 CD player, NHT Superzeros and an NHT SW2P subwoofer. It was a nice affordable setup, but even with my limited exposure to high end audio [I'd heard a Perreaux preamp/amp setup with KEF 104.2 speakers in the early 80's, remember those?] I knew there was a lot more to offer. My system sounded thin and the soundstage was absolutely tiny.

I hung onto this setup, then three years ago got bitten by the home theater bug. The NAD receiver was shelved and the SuperZeros became my surrounds. I bought a Marantz AV550 pre/pro and an ATI AT1505 amp. I got 3 NHT SuperOnes to run across the front and a Pioneer DVL700 combo player. I gave my NHT SW2P to a friend and upgraded to a SW3P. Through all of this I still clung to the notion of having a nice music setup so I purchased a Musical Fidelity E60 CD player to use with my HT system. During this time Audio Advisor became my best friend. And you know what? I still wasn't happy.

So with this incredibly tall rack stuffed with gear sitting in my house, I pondered what I could do to improve the sound of music only. Early last year I went out and got a pair of Sonus Faber Concertinos. Very nice, but still not there. So last summer I decided I couldn't have a combo HT/music setup and be satisfied, and dedicated myself to building a music only system on a budget.

That revelation lead me to seek out forums like this. The pictures in Stereophile were neat, but I could never get the information I wanted out of their reviews. Now my system consists of a Sim Audio Moon I-5, the Concertinos, with a Bel Canto DAC 1.1 on the way. The big NHT sub is still part os the scene. Cardas Golden Cross and DH Labs Silver Pulse interconnect and Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cable make up the connections. Bel Canto? AP Oval 9? Hmmm, have I been listening to the advice of my fellow forum members? However, I did pass up the chance to get a Sony SCD-777ES at the low employee discount. OK, I'm not listening to everyone.

Have I finally joined the ranks of audio enthusiasts?

I am a 50 yo Home Improvement Contractor/ Custom Woodworker. Originally from the Eastern Shore of MD, I now make my home in east Tennessee with my wife of 25 yrs. I have had many hobbies over the years including motorcycles, golf,playing music (drums), woodworking, etc.
Music has been a lifelong passion for me. I started collecting records when I ws 9-10 yrs old. All my $ went for records.(45's) Then somewhere along the way I got enough $ to buy albums. My first album was "The Beach Boys Live". I don't remember what kind of "record player" I had at first but I do remember the music. My parents were not into music or stereo and I don't recall knowing anyone who was though I did get to spin some records at a local dance party which was broadcast on the radio (AM). For me it has always been about the music.
In my teen yrs I learned to play drums. I was a John Bonham protoge. I have always liked hard rock/ heavy metal though I have learned to enjoy many different forms of music from bluegrass to acoustical jazz/ swing to blues and some classical Oh did I mention blues
My first system after leaving home was a "Voice of Music" turntable/radio combo. I remember it had a much lighter tone arm than the one I grew up with. Oh it had a nice cabinet too. That was important in those days. In the early 70's I bought a "Quadrophonic" receiver. At that point I had not heard the word "audiophile" yet so i didn't have any better sense than to believe it sounded good. Especially when you used the discreet quad tapes. Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" sounded awesome. A few yrs back I saw an old friend who reminded me about that quad setup. Twenty five yrs ago but he still remembers. in the late 70's I was introduced to Harmon Kardon. I purchased the HK 730 receiver (their top of the line) along with a Technics turntable, Ortofon cartridge and originsl large Advent speakers. I was in HiFi heaven. I didn't know music could sound so good. In the late eighty's I replaced the HK with a Luxman R115 receiver after the left channel in thge HK went out. What a shock. The Lux which sounded so right at the store turned into a dog at home; very flat and thin compared to the HK. I was advised to ditch the Lux and fix the HK. This I did and took the $ from the Lux and purchased a pair of Infinity RS-5000. This was a definite improvement over the Advents, though they were a good speaker for the $. I added a Mag CDB-650 cdp to the mix afterward. My experience with the Luxman showed me how difficult and disapponting upgrading can be. It also made me appreciate the HK even more. I used the HK up till about 9 mos ago when it began to sound bad. It had been regularly cleaned and serviced by a quality service center but the solder joints were breaking down.
Thanks to the www I went online to find out what was available. I discovered Agon about a year ago. I was shocked by the amount of equipoment available and even more shocked by the prices of some of it. Because of the resources here and elsewhere online, I have been able to start to put together a pretty good system. Most of the people on the forums have been very helpful to me in my quest to put together the best system I can with the budget I have available. Your insights and experiences have been extremely helpful. Many have gone out of their way to be helpful. For this I am grateful. I read the forums almost daily and have enjoyed many posts though I may not interact on that thread. I have gotten much good entertainment out of the banter that takes place among my fellow Agoners. In short I have enjoyed my experience and interaction on the forums. May the music continue to flow and always sound just right.

Hi,
I'm a professional musician, playing principal euponium (the unsung cello of the brass family) for The US Air Force Band in DC. While not touring or recording I enjoy hiking, camping and skiing. Maybe I should start hang gliding? I you'd like CD's of the AF Band you have to have your library or school write us a letter.you can find the address somewhere on our webpage:
http://www.bolling.af.mil/band/index.htm
Unfortunatly Uncle sam won't let us give them away to individual citizens. I started getting into hifi back in school. After Working in my job here, and having second thoughts about my music career, I decided to jump in again and get more stuff before I went to the poor house. Musical fidelity A3 and AP Virgos and I'm still having second thoughts, but now I can't stop buying new toys!!!!

Welcome Wjones!!

Excuse me for mixing hobbies, but if you want info on hang gliding Wjones feel free to ping me. It's my other passion and has been for well over a decade. I'd be more than glad to answer any questions and, just as importantly, guide you past the pitfalls newcomers encounter.

Lots of new members here that havent checked in to this thread yet.Come on guys and ladies,tell us about you.

Indeed, David99! I second the motion!

DAVID99: I think it is a great idea what post you got here. I got to hand it to you, it took guts, so I will give you my 2 cents because of it. I am 42 and a self employed building contractor in Michigan. I feel like 22 though because of my daily exercise I do for work. I have wife almost 20 years, and 2 girls 13 & 14. Anyone feel sorry for me? Just kidding. I have been building for over 20 years. I custom build homes, remodel, additions, & build custom cabinetry. I am presently building out a custom home theater and full basement with custom kitchen & bar area. That is my ultimate favorite project to do. [Home theater] how cool. This is when I can say " I love my job " My ultimate dream is to be able to either build a H.T. for some famous, or one so awesome where money is no object, and good enough to be magazine material. I have done alot of work for some a/v stores before, some day maybe. My love for music and electronics go back to when I was still in jr. high. My 3 sisters [can't get away from females in my family] listened to music on there 1 pc. stereo, it's been wishing ever since. David if you don't mind I would like to list my humble system I presently own, and would like others to add this to their post add. I think that might add more interest. Also think of all the differant systems and tastes we have. Well here it goes : Sony 65xbr10whdtv, Sony ht1000 tuner, Sony dvp-s9000es, Sony tae-9000es, Sony slv-r1000, Sony md, Sherbourn 5/1500, Pioneer elite ct-91, Pioneer cld-3080, Polk audio sda srs, Polk audio sda crs, Polk audio f/x500, Monitor audio 210, & audio quest cables, with extras, and a custom rack of course. Some upgrading will be around the corner, but remember I have to also support my family. I am sure mine is better than some, and some are a whole lot better, but that's what makes it fun & interesting doesn't it? David I sure hope this is o.k. I sure would like to know what you have, and others...

Landmark- hello. Interesting that many here (certainly by no means all) are self-employed or business owners. If you want to get an idea about others systems, check out the virtual systems section.

Welcome dude! I have a 12 year old daughter!! YIKES!! boys and clothes! My system is Rega Planar 25 with RB-600 arm/Grado Platinum cartidge soon to be replaced with a Grado Reference.The TT sits on a Bright Star Audio Big Rock (love that sand Kelly) which sits on a home made wall shelf.Next in the chain is my Rogue Audio 99 with phono.I have Telefunkens and Radiotechniques in the phono stage and some NOS Russian tubes in the line stage.The 99 sits on 3 BDR cones #4's..... The 99 sits on a home made rack made of steel and MDF.From the 99 to my amp is 1 1/2 meter of Harmonic Tech.Pro-Silway MK 2.Since I only have 15 CDs I have a cheap $20 yard sale NEC CDP.This single disc player sounds pretty damn good! I have 1/2 meter of Kimber PBJ from the CDP to the 99.The CDP sits on some vibra-pods.My amp is a Pass Labs Aleph-3 which sits on 50 lbs of granite, which sits on a home made amp stand.Next is 8 feet of MIT T-2 biwire cables that go to my Paradigm Studio 80's (8 ohm,92 dB) I have a Monster conditioner soon to be replaced.(I hope) I made a bunch of room treatments that are very effective and look very nice.I have a ceramic skull that sits by my amp and we stare at each other while the tunes are cranked.Welcome aboard!!!!!

Thank you David99 on your system info, & Swampwalker for your reply. I am fairly new to this, but it is quite fun. I agree It sure is interesting on the amount of self employed, & business owners. I have encountered an anal dude already, he knows who he is. But the good ones override them 10 fold. You guys are kings---thanks alot. I am sure we will talk more. You guys are the ones that make this so fun------keep it up.

Not pc to comment about someone's analism. Man, a wife almost 20 years old? Now that's something to admire, I suppose.

David; happy to see that your thread "has legs"-- hope it keeps going. I posted very early (2nd) in this thread, but nothing about my "system".

I use Levinson M37 transport and M360S DAC connected with Cardas AES/EBU dig. cable. This front end connects to a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 pre-amp and then to a pair of McCormack DNA-2DX Rev. A amps that are used to bi-amp Vandersteen 3Asig. speakers (I have Vand. 5 speakers on order :>). The pre-amp and CD-R sit on Townshend Seimic Sinks. I built my own 200 lb.+ double wide, spiked stereo stand.

Wires are Synergistic Research Phase II ICs with active shielding, and Syn. Res. Sig. No. 2 bi-wire speaker cables. All components have Syn. Res. Master Couplers on them, and are plugged directly into four duplex hubbell dedicated outlets. For room treatment, 5 ASC tube traps,3 ASC Wall Panels, and misc. bookcases, CD cabinets and furniture are used.

Accessories include a Pioneer CD-R, Sony cassette recorder, Monster HTS 1000 (for acc.) and Sennheiser 600 headphones. I also have a 2nd system that is essentially made up of less expensive Vand., SF, and McCormack components. I've got about 1,000 CDs-- need more music! Cheers. Craig

This is an interesting thread. My 18 year old daughter is a major audiophile having grown up with excellent audio equipment all her life in addition to being raised without television (didn't own one from 1981 to 1997). The odd part is that she's tone deaf. When she tried to learn the viola, we immediately realized that she couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. But, she loves music. When we go to a concert (Beethoven's 9th comes to mind) I have to tell her, "you better not start to sing". It's painful. However, I've willed the stereo to her. Are there any other tone deaf music lovers out there?

That's interesting tciborow. I,ve never thought about it, but my wife is somewhat that way yet she knows good sound and is pretty helpful in listening tests. Our last acquisition was speakers (Silverline Sonatas). She said there was something missing and explained what it was. Upon removal of the grillcloth she said it sounded better. She was right.
Sorry to get off topic but I had to respond

Artemus 5: It's my belief that there is nothing wrong with the input connections. It's the output connections that are not functioning properly. Erin can tell when she listens to something (other than herself)if it is off pitch or out of key. It's weird.

I guess, its my turn. 45, EE, working with computers. Lived in 4 countries, ending up in CT. Biggest passion is music, mostly jazz and classical. At the end of a long day, the only thing I can bear is a good book, good music and an occasional (depending on how hard the day was) a single malt. Over the years, I've changed lots of equipment. Finally ending up with Levinson 30.6/31.5/32/335 and B&W 802N. Cables are Synergistics DesRef with active (mini) shielding, Illuminations Orchid, AudioMagic Illusion spkr cable.

What else ? We've got 6 cats (all my girlfriends' !) - Persian Exotic Shorthair (thank God), three saltwater fish (mine !) and a hermit crab (mine too).

I enjoy A'gon enormously and find it very informative. Want to thank all of you for the info you supply.

Ikarus,welcome aboard!

Thanks for the welcome David. Actually I've been around in A'gon for a while but never got around to write in this thread.

I am really enjoying this thread so I figure I would jump introduce myself too. I am a 24 yr old single male, live North of Detroit (yes there is life outside Detroit). I recruit for the automotive industry and when the economy is good, I spend all my money on audio equipment. I am more of an audio enthusiast I guess, because I can not match wits (or stereos) with anyone on this site. I enjoy golf, soccer and live music. The winters in Michigan allow me plenty of time to stay inside and enjoy my stereo.

Here goes "Stereokarter": Our family of five (girls 13yrs. and 11yrs. and a Greek God of almost 6yrs.) lives 15 minutus from Toronto Airport in the home town of Magnum Dynalab..tuner manufacturer extraordinaire. Originally born in Dublin, Ireland I came to Canada under protest in the middle 60's and, having listened to Radio Luxemburg and Hilversum at home, soon tuned in Cousin Brucie (the late Morrow) @ 77 WABC NY. 'Saw the 'Stones in Ottawa (they played the npc "Mother's Little Helper"), Hendrix too...none of the rest that are gone. Moved to Toronto in the late '60s, raced karts for many years, toured the States racing and managed to miss the boat for the "big-time". I now own a small van/bus operation specializing in charters and accessible transportation. My sister lives in Penn. and my younger brother in Ottawa (Canada's silicon valley). In my collection are several museum quality Scott tuners inc. a 310E, also a VPI 'table, a home-machined stand (solid alum. bar) some SF stuff (locally from Oakville) and an AR VT100-II. I listen to anything, my faves being Dylan and Townes van Zandt whenever I'm introspective. Hate the Beatles. Love Emmylou. Like Gladiator. All going to Hales T5's for now. The problem with us guys is, IMO, that we mostly listen alone....since most others around us won't give the concentration required. So oftentimes we are viewed as weird! But the great conductors listen in the same fashion too, so who's to say. Anyway, I trust that all this is none too boring...time for a cold Upper Canada Rebellion ale!

Colm, my boys will be 13 and 11 in the next 2 months. Too young for your girls. Hate the Beatles? Really? I never listen to them, always liked the Stones, but I have to acknowledge their talent. Like Spyboy and Western Wall?

Off topic...Paulwp...long distance romances (the longer the better, in this case) RARELY work! "Western Wall" is in "heavy rotation", as MF would say, but I like "Duets" too. I wish that Emmylou would divorce herself from Langois' influence, though. I also have her "Gliding Bird" (1st album). Check out John Prine's CD with the women....excellent.

I'm a 38 year old computer professional living in the San Francisco bay area. Was a serious audiophile type in the 80's then kinda gave it up. Starting to get back into it again, but at a much lower level.

I am 43 .... writer, and owner of a Canadian mail order Mac dealership. 4 kids, 3 pets, 2 jobs ... 1 wife.

Lornecherry, that post deserves at least an OS 9 or maybe even an OS X.

First of all I'd like to thank david99 for starting this thread.
It's a great idea, and it gives us all the oportunity to get to know each other a little and maybe create lasting friendships beyond our shared obsession / hobby.
My name is George and I live in Austin, Texas with my black Lab / chow mix named Pepper.....the source of my user name Pepperdog.
I am educated in the field of Finance and Management, but I work for myself doing whatever gives me energy or brings me fulfillment and knowledge.
I have owned several businesses of varying sizes and I manage my tiny real estate empire.
I have a very strong environmental conscience and I have strong ties with a group trying desperately to save our Aquifer and river recharge zones from developers.
I enjoy audio gear and have grown to appreciate the aural differences in the good stuff, but it keeps me searching for the next new and different sonic experience.
Mind you, I'm not complaining...it truly is the journey, and not the destination, that is important.
I do have a reference system for most listening, and I set up 2 or more other systems and rotate equipment in and out; listening to the differences and the similarities.
I love the music first and foremost and my interests range from acid jazz ( Bob James, Fourplay,) to acoustic guitar ( Willie and Lobo, Strunz, Acoustic Alchemy, Sephir etc.)to female vocals ( Loreena McKinnett, Eliza, Lucinda etc.) to Rock and "real" Jazz of all kinds.
Fortunately, living in Austin (the "live music capital of the world") provides me with the opportunity to see and hear my favorites all year 'round.
Live music, in my opinion, can't be beat.
I traveled extensively when I was younger and I still make forays into New Mexico and Colorado to the mountains every year for a recharge of the 40 year old batteries.
I ride a Harley when I can, but am currently mending a broken arm from a meeting with the side of a truck that pulled across the lane I was in and stopped 6 feet in front of me while I was traveling at 30 miles an hour.....on said Harley.
I enjoy buying and selling equipment on the web, and have always felt that Audiogon was the class act for this kind of commerce.
Now that I have had a chance to read a little personal stuff about some of you contributing members, it's easy to see why Audiogon is the great site that it is.
Happy trading to everyone!

It's my turn...I'm Arsenio living in San Jose, CA. I am a communication tech and just been "out of the a-phile closet". I built my amp, preamp and phono amp from Welborne and AES kits, bought my cdplayer from Audiogon and my TT from Ebay.(I know, I know I'm cheap). My system sounds good but no one appreciated it(except me) since all my friends are not that "crazy"- like me. So, I would like to know some of you "crazy people" here in San Jose or the bay area.

Guess I'll step up. I'm a 32-year-old police officer with the Seattle Police Department. I'm married with three wonderful children. The youngest was just born this month. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Spanish Translation, believe it or not. After my wife got a job offer in Seattle, we moved here, and I started my current career.

I guess my first taste of hifi came as a teenager listening to rock LP's on my dad's modest system. Later, while in college, I got a pair of JBL Control 5 speakers for Christmas. I hooked them up to a JVC boombox and Pioneer CD player and thought I was in heaven. I gradually came to realize that it got better. A LOT better. But being a poor college kid meant having to forego most nonessentials.

Years later, after my wife and I had bought a house, I finally had the wherewithal to upgrade. I began my search for a new pair of speakers by consulting (what else?) Consumer Reports. I decided I'd shell out the 700 bills for a pair of I think it was Phase Technology 7T's (CR's top choice!). I never bought them. Somehow I got turned on to NHT 3.3's and decided I had to have those instead. By happenstance, I learned that the local audio club was selling their reference 3.3's. After some serious arm-twisting, my wife relented. I drove the 3.3's for over a year with a $400 Technics receiver. Yeah. I know. "You've come a long way, Baby."

A coworker overheard me talking audio one day and turned me on to the used equipment market on the internet. We became good friends and, with his assistance, I became a regular wheeler-dealer of used gear. The internet has been a godsend for my system. Without it, I'd still be in the audio Dark Ages. Component by component, I slowly pieced together the toy collection I have today. Eventually, I realized finding great deals on gear was even more time consuming than watching the stock market. I'm happy with my current system, so I'm taking a hiatus from all the buying and selling. I'm now turning my attention to the "fine tunes" that bring out the best in a system.

I'm also a home theater enthusiast, and I've combined my audio and HT systems into one. Lately, my gear has been playing far more Toy Story than music. I'm doing my best to raise my kids to be good audiophiles, but I worry they'll cringe if they ever hear Buzz Lightyear on a friend's TV.

It's been a lot of fun visiting this site and talking audio with all of you. Best wishes in your pursuit of the ultimate sound.

Well, I’ve been putting this one off for a while because I can’t think of any good modifications to my life story that might possibly make it sound better. I’m a 34 y/o film and TV writer in Hollywood and have just directed my first film. I grew up in Philadelphia, went to college in Boston, lived in NYC as a writer and actor for a while then came out here (LA) for grad school and got caught up in the industry. I’ve been making plans to move back to NYC for 5 years but work keeps coming up so I’ve been stuck here. I don’t even go to the damn movies and I think it’s been over 6 weeks now since my TV has been turned on.

For the past three months or so I’ve been trying to finish a script and Audiogon has been an obscene distraction for me. I made the mistake of installing a DSL line and so I’ll sit at my desk looking at my screen trying to write and think, I wonder if anyone listed an atma-sphere preamp for sale yet and “click” I’m online. Three hours later after the guilt is too much to bare another click and I’m back in front of my script. Until ten minutes goes by and I wonder if someone has listed an atma-sphere preamp yet and “click…” This has become a serious problem.

Kubla, that would make a great Hollywood horror script!

"The web site that ate Kublakhan" ( or ) "My screams for help were drowned out by high end audio."

Kubla, I could take you in for treatment ( in exchange you could teach me creative writing, vide our hilarious thread elsewhere ) Why Detlof you may ask? Well, since antiquity the saying goes: " Only the wounded physician is able to heal ".
Cheers and regards,
Detlof

What traumatic experience is hiding behind Kubla's quest for Atmasphere? Is it an individual or a socially induced phenomenon? Not least: where does his powerful mastery of language derive from (what about body language...)?
Deep waters!
Detlof, would CERN be interested in his case?

CERN in Geneva, Greg?

Kubla, how about a sript based on Albert Porter's party? Or is that too sick an idea?

WOW! 200 posts! Who would have thought? Craig,nice idea!
All you audiophiles who are shy, dont be.Tell us who you are.Dont be afraid to make an ass of yourself.I do it all the time and still sleep like a baby.Well,except for last night!Welcome back Dug! CHEERS EVERYONE! THE DRINKS ARE ON DUG!